Disc Brakes Take on Air of Inevitability for Fleets

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img src="/sites/default/files/images/articles/printeditiontag_new.gif" width=120 align=right>The design of disc brakes has undergone a metamorphosis in recent years, thanks to a strong effort in Europe to make discs standard on heavy trucks. The product is far better than it used to be, say brake manufacturers.

Mention air-powered disc brakes to experienced truck fleet managers in North America, however, and you typically get a negative response. Brake balance and high up-front costs are the two biggest areas of concern.

“Mixing discs with S-cam brakes is asking for trouble,” said Duke Drinkard, vice president of field maintenance for Southeastern Freight Lines, Lexington, S.C. “The braking is not equal. You’d have a tough time balancing them.”

For the full story, see the April/May issue of Equipment & Maintenance Update, a supplement to the April 14 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.